The UK said it was “reaffirming” its commitment to its nuclear deterrent on Monday, amid concerns that spiralling costs and ageing submarines were jeopardising Britain’s ability to field the weapon and deter a potential attack by adversaries such as Russia.
“Our nuclear deterrent is as important now as it has ever been,” defence secretary Grant Shapps said, as the government published a 44-page report, titled “Delivering the UK’s nuclear deterrent”.
The paper outlined existing plans to build four new ballistic missile submarines and develop a next generation of nuclear-powered attack boats as part of the Aukus defence pact with the US and Australia. The plans would also create 40,000 jobs — from nuclear physicists to specialist welders — and renovate naval infrastructure.